Hello,

I have just booked an apartment in the Testaccio neighborhood for 1 week in February. Now, after actually researching the area, I hope I didn't make a mistake. It seems to be popular for the "nightlife" which my husband and I are not really into. We are interested in experiencing more of the local side of life in Rome, but also like to be in a quiet area where we can go to bed at an early hour.
Did we pick the wrong place? Your opinions please - thanks!

Not all of Testaccio is filled with bars and clubs. If you give me the street your apartment is on, I can tell you what the neighborhood is like. Testaccio is a good choice if you want to experience the local side of Roman life.

Testaccia is a great area for the local life. They have a great market, I think most days, almost all locals. I think this would be a good place to stay, as long as you don't mind taking public trans or taxis to the main areas. We have cetainly walked from testaccio to the coloseum area, trastevere area and campo di fiore area, but these are pretty good hikes.

Very Long hikes...I would prefer something more central..

Testaccio is well served with public transportation. There is a metro stop at Piramide and a train station at Ostiense. The most useful will be the express bus that runs down Via Marmorata and goes to Piazza Venezia in about five minutes and on to Largo Argentina in another five minutes.

Hello!
If by chance you get my reply (3 months after your original posting!!), could you tell me how much your apt cost, and your opinion of the apt, and the neighborhood, and ease of getting around to rome's great sights from there. I know... alot to ask! Let me know how I can return the favor! My husband and I live in Seattle and are travelling in Europe in May...

kind regards,
jeannine elms

By the way, if interested, the best pizza in the world can be had at Pizzaria Remo in the center of Testaccio. Just ask anyone on the street for directions. Its a local institution. Also, the best food store in Rome is Volpeetti, on via Marmorata.